Congenital heart defects facts

Congenital heart defects are problems with the heart's structure that are present at birth. Congenital heart defects change the normal flow of blood through the heart.

Congenital heart defects are the most common type of birth defect, affecting 8 out of every 1,000 newborns. Each year, more than 35,000 babies in the United States are born with congenital heart defects.

There are many types of congenital heart defects ranging from simple to very complex.

Doctors don't know what causes most congenital heart defects. Heredity may play a role.

Although many heart defects have few or no symptoms, some do. Severe defects can cause symptoms such as:

Rapid breathing.

A bluish tint to skin, lips, and fingernails. This is called cyanosis.

With new advances in testing and treatment, most children with congenital heart defects grow into adulthood and can live healthy, productive lives. Some need special care all though their lives to maintain a good quality of life.